Short Courses & Events / Archive

It’s Personal: How Personality Impacts Perception and Symptoms of Voice Problems

Thursday 10th April 2025, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (London Time)

For over 25 years, researchers have investigated the intersection of personality traits and voice disorders, uncovering a predictive relationship between a person’s personality and their likelihood of experiencing certain voice issues. For instance, extraverts, who are naturally more talkative, often face problems like inflammation or nodules due to high vocal use. However, recent research aims to dig deeper, exploring whether there's more to this story than just "extraverts talk a lot, so they have voice problems."

This course takes you on an intriguing journey into the relationship between personality traits and voice fatigue, shedding light on how specific personality characteristics can predict the likelihood of experiencing voice disorders. Students will dive into cutting-edge research examining the correlation between the Big Five Personality traits—Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness—and various voice conditions.

Throughout the course, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how personality traits, especially extraversion, are linked to voice problems such as inflammation and nodules. They will explore current perspectives on personality science and the behaviours that underlie voice problems, providing a deeper insight into this complex relationship.

Join us to uncover the nuances of how our personalities can influence our vocal health and discover the latest findings that could revolutionize the way we understand and manage voice disorders.

🏷️ Price £20 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available

Lynn Maxfield

Lynn Maxfield is the director of the Utah Center for Vocology at the University of Utah where, in addition to research activities, he coordinates and teaches at the Summer Vocology Institute.

Sorry, this is an archived short course...

We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.

Introduction to Vocal Psychotherapy: Songs of the Self
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Introduction to Vocal Psychotherapy: Songs of the Self

Dr. Diane Austin

This presentation draws on the methods and techniques of Vocal Psychotherapy, a new in-depth model of music psychotherapy developed by Dr. Austin, that incorporates breath work, natural sounds, vocal improvisation, and songs and dialogue within a client and therapist relationship to facilitate intrapsychic and interpersonal change and growth.

Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens
Thursday 2nd July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens

Walt Fritz

“Jaw tension” is one of many potential problems facing the singer, and can cause a direct negative impact on the performance in both direct and indirect ways. The underlying cause of jaw issues is attributed to numerous factors (technique, posture, strength, range of motion, etc.), making it often difficult to identify common denominators. Join Walt Fritz as he examines the evidence supporting stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy interventions to address jaw-related concerns in vocal performers, taking into account their unique needs.

Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts
Monday 6th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 13th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 17th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 20th July 2026
7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts

Adam Roberts

This 30-hour Vocology Cohort Intensive provides a comprehensive overview of basic vocal anatomy, physiology, and theories of voice production & perception, fundamentals of vocal health, pathology, evaluation, performance, and habilitation of the speaking and singing voice, and a survey of research, resources, and professional opportunities. Each week, advanced students contribute to cohort-centred learning with additional resources, discussion facilitation, and critical analysis. The course assessment will also be useful for those who wish to prepare for the PAVA recognised designation.